Shloka 20
ततो<भ्यगच्छत् सहसा मन्दपालो5पि भारत । अथ ते सर्व एवैनं नाभ्यनन्दंस्तदा सुता:,भारत! इतनेमें ही मन्दपाल मुनि भी सहसा वहाँ आ पहुँचे; किंतु उन बच्चोंमेंसे किसीने भी उस समय उनका अभिनन्दन नहीं किया
tato 'bhyagacchat sahasā mandapālo 'pi bhārata | atha te sarva evainaṃ nābhyanandan tadā sutāḥ ||
Then, O Bhārata, Mandapāla too suddenly arrived there. Yet at that time none of his sons welcomed him—an omission that underscores how strained bonds and unmet duties can cool even natural affection within a family.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of familial and social duties: respectful reception of elders is a dharmic norm, and the sons’ failure to greet their father signals a rupture in relationship—often arising when responsibilities have been neglected or trust has been damaged.
Mandapāla suddenly arrives at the place where his sons are present, but none of them offers him a welcome or greeting at that moment, indicating tension or lack of acceptance despite his arrival.